▽▽▽ Side: Karl Axel Bayerlein, Duke ▽▽▽
Nobles under my patronage are gathering in droves for the New Year’s greetings. This year, even those who were formerly dependents of Lightstar have joined the celebration party. Most attendees bring their families, but the newly appointed Baronet of Roxfall has not.
I’ve heard that his wife gave birth last autumn, so it’s understandable if she and the newborn couldn’t make the trip. However, it’s peculiar that the adopted child is absent as well. It seems the temple might be involved in this matter.
Reports from my operatives, embedded at the headquarters on the outskirts of the royal capital, indicate that the child might be a divine envoy. Additionally, the temple plans to send several priests to the Roxfall Baronet’s domain in Ashud.
“That household is never short on intrigue.”
First, they create a remarkable liquor called Horse King, and now their child is said to be a divine envoy. I’ve heard this child is a seed of Lightstar, meaning Lightstar sent their divine offspring out into the world. It’s not hard to imagine the uproar this will cause if they catch wind of it.
“Milord, a gift has arrived from the Roxfall Baronet’s family…”
Every year, we receive gifts from the families under our care, and as their patron, we ensure to send something even more valuable in return. Thus, every gift is meticulously cataloged.
Sebas, the steward responsible for preparing the list, has an uncharacteristically troubled expression. It’s rare to see him hesitate. What’s the matter?
I take the list from Sebas and examine its contents. The first item is rare parts from a monster, fitting for a family renowned for their martial prowess. Next is a selection of fine cheeses, which we can now acquire without relying on Lightstar’s domain—perfect for pairing with Horse King.
But the last item…
“Hm? What’s this ‘Supreme Horse King’? Is it not the usual top-grade liquor?”
“Here it is.”
An apprentice steward presents a wooden box, from which Sebas retrieves the item.
“What!?”
Inside is a green glass bottle. Glass production itself is a painstaking process, and crafting flawless, richly colored glass is an extraordinary feat.
“This is the Supreme Horse King?”
“Yes. In all my years serving you, Milord, I’ve never encountered such an item before.”
“Neither have I. Likely even the king himself has never laid eyes on such a thing. This is troublesome.”
“Indeed. Determining an appropriate return gift will be a challenge.”
Sebas quickly grasped my concern. Such a bottle is likely one of a kind, a treasure not easily found anywhere in the world.
Even the finest glass typically has minor imperfections, such as uneven coloring or distortions, but this bottle shows none of those flaws. Furthermore, it’s adorned with intricate patterns that elevate its artistry. Where could they have obtained such a masterpiece?
“Sigh… We have no choice but to send something from the family treasury.”
“Are you certain, Milord?”
“What other option is there? Do you think we can procure something to match this bottle so easily?”
“No, I do not.”
“They’ve sent us something so precious that we are now obligated to protect the Roxfall Baronet’s family at all costs.”
Sebas neither responds nor nods, as is proper. A steward must not meddle in matters beyond their domain.
“Also, include the finest apples in our return offering.”
Apples from our Axel domain are a local specialty, though we rarely use the highest-grade ones for such purposes. This time, however, they are a must.
“Summon Alexander.”
“Understood, Milord.”
Once Sebas departs, I gaze intently at the glass bottle on my desk. What a beautiful creation—it’s utterly captivating.
Alexander arrives and, upon seeing the bottle, is equally astonished. If he couldn’t grasp its significance, I would question his suitability as my successor.
“Father, is this truly a gift from the Roxfall Baronet’s family?”
“Indeed. What would you offer in return?”
“Hm… It’s difficult to think of something equivalent. As a duke’s household, we must respond with an even greater gift to uphold our reputation. I would suggest something from the family treasury.”
Good. He thinks as I do.
“You will personally deliver our return gift to the Ashud domain and observe the area for yourself.”
“Understood, Father.”
Alexander, who usually resides in our royal capital estate as my representative, returns home during this season to interact with the dependents.
Typically, he would return to the capital promptly, but this time I’ve decided to send him to the Ashud domain. The Roxfall Baronet, being of the same generation as Alexander, will likely be a key figure in his future alliances.
